OKEECHOBEE COUNTY — The following column is the Road Watch report for Okeechobee County for the week beginning Sunday, Aug. 16, provided by the Florida Department of Transportation.

Districtwide Movable Bridges (Okeechobee County): Construction Project: The Florida Department of Transportation is installing Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) at the U.S. 441/U.S. 98 (S.R. 700) Taylor Creek Bridge in Okeechobee County. Construction began on Sunday, June 22, 2026. This project includes the installation of pedestrian/bicycle detection systems, conduits and electrical components, and connection to bridge tender buildings.

• Testing will begin in early February 2026.
• Motorists are advised that there will be intermittent sidewalk and lane closures throughout the duration of construction.
• Motorists should expect lane closures during the nighttime/overnight hours from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.
• Motorists are advised to use caution in the construction zone.
• Variable message signs will be in place to alert drivers that work is underway. Estimated completion of testing is in August 2026, weather permitting.

S.R. 15 from SE 126^th Boulevard to SE 138^th Avenue: Permit project: Crews are performing overhead pole-hardening work along S.R. 15 in Okeechobee County.

• Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures on northbound and southbound S.R. 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Friday, September 4, 2026.
• Crews will install utility poles and an overhead span crossing the roadway.
• Motorists are advised to use caution in the construction zone.
• Variable message signs will be in place to alert drivers that work is underway. Estimated completion is September 2026, weather permitting.

U.S. 98 (S.R. 700) at Bridge No. 910090 and 910098 in Okeechobee County: Bridge testing activities: Crews will test the bridges for asbestos-containing materials and metal-based coatings.

• Overnight single-lane closures are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday, August 18, 2026, and continue until approximately 6 a.m. Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
• Motorists should expect possible delays, follow posted traffic-control signs, and use caution while traveling through the work zones.
• Drivers should watch for workers, equipment, and changing traffic patterns near both bridges.

As a reminder, travelers can visit www.FL511.com or dial “511” from their phone to learn about traffic conditions on major roadways across the state.